Difference evokes Meaning
The philosopher, and disabled activist, Judith Snow tells us that disability is a gift.
The philosopher, and disabled activist, Judith Snow tells us that disability is a gift.
Disability is a gift because all of our distinct features - everything that makes us different and unique - is a gift.
Of course this statement can only be made as an act of faith. Clearly differences do not always feel like a blessing and they may not be treated by others as a gift. But she is asking us to have faith in the possibility that another person will exist who, at the right time, in the right place, will be able to receive that gift.
This may not be an empirical statement - but that does not matter. The demands of faith are central to our approach to the world. Judith Snow is telling us how to approach the world - not predicting that we we will do so.
She is also calling us to recognise the central importance of difference to a life of meaning. Getting back what what we've already got is an unsatisfactory experience - without meaning. Difference stimulates, provokes and creates the possibility of meaning.
However to experience this meaning, through difference, also demands that we share in a common world that makes meaningful exchange possible - inclusion.